Online Accounts Payable Clerk Training and Degree Overviews

Essential Information

Several schools offer online certificate programs in accounts payable. These short programs are available totally through distance education. A high school diploma or GED certificate is needed for enrollment.

These programs require students to view lessons online and complete a quiz at the conclusion of each module. There are generally no on-campus or internship requirements. Courses cover the basics of this field, including payroll, accounting management and budgeting.

Persons with experience as an accounts payable clerk may increase their employability by obtaining certifications from professional organizations. These credentials, such as the accredited payables manager (APM) and accredited payables specialist (APS) designations, usually require experience in the field and an examination.

Related Certificate and Degree Programs

If an online certificate program in accounts payable doesn't seem like a good fit, here are some similar programs you can consider:

Online Accounts Payable Certificates

Online certificate programs in accounts payable are usually available through programs in accounting or office administration. Students learn to study a company's records to determine if they're profiting, manage records and use computer software programs to track payments and access payroll information as well as complete other basic office administration skills. A high school diploma or the equivalent is the only academic prerequisite. There are a few online programs in this field.

Program Information and Requirements

These programs are available completely online and the courses teach students the skills they will need to be able to obtain an entry-level position in office administration or a related field. Though each school does it differently, students log on to the educational server and select the course they are taking. They complete modules within the course and, after each lesson, take a test or quiz before moving to the next.

In order to take this online certificate, students must have a computer and a reliable internet connection. Students may need to have other computer software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, spreadsheets, Adobe Flash and a media player.

List of Common Accounts Payable Courses

Students taking this course take only courses specifically related to the program, without any general education requirements.

Accounts Payable Accounting Course

Budgeting Basics Course

By analyzing a company's profit, loss and financial statements, students prepare a budget. In this class, students also learn to stick to and manage a budget.

Payroll Management and Practice Course

This course is designed specifically for students who want to become payroll specialists. In this course, students become familiar with how payroll works, how to determine what to pay and how to make sure things are paid on time.

Accounting Management Course

Students study basic accounting and financial topics in this course. They learn to understand financial statements, understand the company's ability to profit and understand how the cash flow process works.

Career Information for Graduates

Upon completion of the online certificate in accounts payable, students should be able to find careers as office administrators, bookkeeping or accounting clerks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (www.bls.gov), bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks must have at least a high school diploma and some experience in accounting. Office administrators also need a high school diploma and some advanced training. In May 2008 the BLS reported that the median annual salary for clerks in bookkeeping, accounting and auditing was $32,510. Office administrators made a median salary of $45,790 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

Students who want to continue their education have a variety of options. Most certificate courses completed through online programs in accounts payable or accounting can go towards an associate's or bachelor's degree program in business administration or accounting. These programs are available online at several schools.